Evidence mounts that universe’s dark energy is changing over time

• The New data involving millions of galaxies and luminous galactic cores is providing fresh evidence that the enigmatic and invisible cosmic force called dark energy – responsible for the universe’s accelerated expansion – has weakened over time rather than remaining constant, as long hypothesized.
• The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos, focusing upon dark energy. The researchers analyzed three years of observations by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, or DESI, at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona.
• “The DESI results tantalizingly hint at an evolving dark energy,” said Arjun Dey, an astrophysicist at the U.S. National Science Foundation’s NOIRLab and the NOIRLab project scientist for DESI.
• The new analysis used data from DESI’s first three years of observations of almost 15 million galaxies and quasars, which are extremely bright galactic cores where a supermassive black hole hungrily consumes surrounding material.
• This analysis, combined with other astrophysical data, offers mounting evidence that the impact of dark energy may be weakening over time and that the standard model of how the universe works may need to be revised, the researchers said.
• Those other measurements include the light left over from the dawn of the universe, exploding stars called supernovae and the manner in which light from distant galaxies is warped by gravity.
• “The new findings, both from DESI and from a number of other experiments, now suggest that whatever is causing the universal expansion may be decaying – that is, decreasing in strength,”.
•  “This once again changes our fundamental understanding of nature, and in particular our understanding of the future of our universe. Will the expansion continue forever, or will the acceleration slow, stop and turn into a deceleration?”
• The Big Bang event roughly 13.8 billion years ago initiated the universe, and it has been expanding ever since. Scientists in 1998 disclosed that this expansion was actually accelerating, with dark energy as the hypothesized reason. The physical nature of dark energy is presently unknown.
• “DESI data tells us about how the size of the universe has grown over time. We can relate the rate at which it is growing directly to the strength – or energy density – of dark energy at a given time, since dark energy is what causes that growth rate to accelerate,” said University of Pittsburgh astrophysicist Jeff Newman.
• The universe’s contents include ordinary matter – stars, planets, gas, dust and all the familiar stuff on Earth – as well as dark matter and dark energy.
• Ordinary matter represents perhaps 5% of the contents. Dark matter, which is known through its gravitational influences on galaxies and stars, may make up about 27%. Dark energy may make up about 68%.
• “Dark energy is definitely one of the most puzzling and mysterious components of the universe. We don’t yet know what it is, but we can detect its clear effect on the expansion of the universe.
• “All the matter in the universe has gravity which should be slowing down the rate of expansion. Instead, we observe that the universal expansion is accelerating, and we attribute this unexpected behavior to dark energy, a component of the universe which exerts a pressure to push things apart – kind of like a negative gravity,” Dey added.
• The new findings were presented at the American Physical Society’s Global Physics Summit in Anaheim, California.
• “Our findings in DESI that the dark energy is evolving in time and is not the cosmological constant is probably the most important result about cosmic acceleration since its discovery in 1998 that led to the Nobel Prize in physics in 2011,” said cosmologist Mustapha Ishak of the University of Texas at Dallas and co-chair of the working group that analyzed the DESI data.
• “The new and unexpected result is likely to change the future of cosmology and our understanding of its standard model”.

Understanding the collapse of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire

• The fragile peace that had held in Gaza for nearly two months shattered on Tuesday as Israeli airstrikes pummeled the territory, killing more than 400 Palestinians, according to health officials. The renewed violence follows the collapse of a truce that had been in place since January, with both Israel and Hamas blaming each other for its failure.
• “This is just the beginning,” warned Israeli officials as plumes of smoke rose over Gaza’s devastated landscape. The return to full-scale hostilities signals the failure of diplomatic efforts that had briefly offered hope for de-escalation in the long-running conflict.
• At the core of the ceasefire breakdown is a fundamental impasse between Israel and Hamas. Israel has pursued two primary objectives—securing the release of hostages and dismantling Hamas as a governing force in Gaza. However, these goals have proven to be at odds with one another. The military campaign to eliminate Hamas jeopardizes the safety of the 59 hostages still held captive, complicating negotiations for their release.
• Hamas, meanwhile, regards the hostages as its primary leverage in talks. The group has refused to release more captives unless Israel commits to a permanent cessation of hostilities and a full military withdrawal from Gaza—conditions that Israel has categorically rejected as long as Hamas remains in power. This deadlock has stalled efforts to move beyond the initial phase of the ceasefire.
• The truce, which began on January 19, had initially facilitated a prisoner exchange between the two sides, but it was only meant to be the first step in a broader peace process. The second phase, which was intended to secure a permanent resolution, has failed to progress due to these intractable differences.
• Mediators from Egypt and Qatar have attempted to salvage the ceasefire by proposing a phased compromise. Their latest proposal would have Hamas release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander and the remains of four American hostages in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire extension. During this period, approximately half of the remaining hostages would be freed, and negotiations for a lasting truce would continue.
• U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff recently visited the region to push for an agreement prioritizing hostage releases before discussions on ending the war. However, he accused Hamas of “publicly claiming flexibility while privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire.” Hamas, in response, insisted that it was simply upholding the original terms of the ceasefire rather than renegotiating a new agreement.
• Israel had indicated as early as February that it would not withdraw from key strategic areas in Gaza, a stance that undermined the second phase of the truce agreement. With both sides unwilling to compromise on their core positions, the ceasefire collapsed, giving way to renewed military operations.
• The conflict in Gaza is further complicated by rising regional tensions. Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, who have expressed support for Hamas, have launched attacks on international shipping and targeted Israel. In response, U.S. forces have carried out strikes against Houthi positions.
• The Houthis claimed to have launched drones at a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, though American forces intercepted the attack.
• Witkoff has warned that Hamas should take note of these developments, suggesting that further military escalation in the region could have consequences for the group.
• Domestic political factors in Israel also play a role in the renewed hostilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced plans to remove his domestic security chief, citing a loss of trust. This marks the third senior security official to leave office in recent weeks, fueling speculation that Netanyahu’s government may be using military escalation to divert attention from ongoing legal and political challenges.
• Hamas has accused Israel of abandoning the ceasefire agreement and warned that the remaining hostages face an uncertain fate. However, the group has not officially declared a return to full-scale war, instead calling for renewed international mediation.
• With diplomatic efforts at a standstill, the suffering continues for both the hostages still held in Hamas tunnels and the Palestinian civilians enduring relentless bombardment. The international community faces the daunting challenge of bridging a seemingly unbridgeable gap, while the human toll continues to rise in a conflict where neither side appears willing to compromise on its core demands.

What is Tamil Nadu''s fire season? Understanding its growing threat

• In Tamil Nadu, beneath the natural splendour and varied geographies and climates within the state, is a growing danger that threatens its verdant forest cover: wildfires that have been increasing in frequency and intensity over recent years.
• As temperatures rise and forests dry out, what was once a predictable seasonal occurrence is fast transforming into a concerning environmental challenge.
• Tamil Nadu experiences a distinct fire season that typically begins in early February and can extend into May, depending on local weather conditions. This period coincides with the driest months in the region when forest floors become carpeted with dry leaves, branches, and undergrowth - perfect fuel for fires.

FIRE SEASON, AN INTENSIFYING PHENOMENON

• While forest fires are not new to Tamil Nadu, data suggests they are becoming more frequent and intense. According to information presented in the Lok Sabha by Junior Environment Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh, Tamil Nadu witnessed a staggering 3,380 forest fire incidents in 2023-24: the highest in four years. This represents a dramatic increase from the 1,035 incidents recorded in 2021-22 and 1,998 fires in 2022-23.
• Data from Global Forest Watch indicates that Tamil Nadu lost 1.04 kilometre hectare (kHa) of tree cover from fires between 2001 and 2023, with 2023 seeing the highest loss at 148 hectare (Ha) - representing 6.8 per cent of all tree cover lost that year.
• Monitoring systems like VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) have detected unusually high fire alerts in recent periods, with 366 high-confidence alerts reported between March 2024 and March 2025 - significantly higher than historical averages since 2012.
• However, Raj Bhagat Palanichami, a senior geoanalyst with WRI India, said forest fires don’t just happen in forests. “A small percentage of it starts in grasslands in Tamil Nadu. Also, to some extent controlled fires also happen; it’s not widespread but it’s there and does not happen frequently,”.

WILDFIRES ARE NATURAL, BUT NOW NOTABLE

• Raj also explained that, at times, the forest department starts a controlled fire if the dry leaves and branches, which is fuel for fire, becomes too much.
•  Fire season is not a new occurrence. “The term probably came into official parlance after the (Tamil Nadu) government-controlled trekking began. But it has been there even during the time of the Britishers,” he said. According to him, the season’s duration also depends on the specific region’s climatology. He also said that a four-year duration was not enough time to analyse the phenomenon.
• Yet, bigger fire incidents are more and more frequent, especially in the Nilgiris region, which is under growing threat from forest fires, with 37 incidents recorded by May 2024.
• One of the worst blazes erupted in March 2024, in Coonoor’s Forest Dale, after spreading from a nearby tea estate. Burning for over a week, it destroyed more than 30 acres of forest before being contained by forest department staff and Indian Air Force helicopters through Bambi Bucket operations.
• Officials linked the surge in fires to a severe heat wave affecting the region. Udhagamandalam (Ooty) recorded its highest-ever temperature of 29 degree Celsius in 2024, since records began in 1951, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai. This was 5.4 degree Celsius above the hill station’s average.

CONTINUING BLAZES ACROSS STATE BORDERS

• Most recently, in February 2025, a significant forest fire was reported along the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border near Coimbatore. Despite concerted efforts by the Forest Department staff, the fire in the Boluvampatti block III reserve forest continued to burn for multiple days. The steep, rocky terrain posed significant challenges for firefighting teams from multiple forest ranges who battled to contain the spread.

LAST YEAR NO DIFFERENT, BUT IN KODAIKANAL

• In what was described as the first major forest fire in 15 years in the area, Kodaikanal experienced a significant wildfire between April 26 and May 4, 2024. The fire, sparked by an electric pole, quickly spread through the forest, fueled by high winds and layers of dry eucalyptus leaves that had accumulated over years. The scale of this inferno caught the forest department unprepared and required extensive resources to contain.

KURANGANI TRAGEDY IN MARCH 2018

• One of the most devastating forest fires in recent Tamil Nadu history occurred in March 2018 at Kurangani in Theni district. What began as a routine trek for several groups turned tragic when they were caught in a massive forest fire on the Western Ghats. With their regular routes cut off by flames, many trekkers panicked and lost direction. The disaster claimed 16 lives and left many others injured, highlighting the deadly potential of these fires.

UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES

While natural causes like lightning can trigger forest fires, approximately 99 per cent of fires in Tamil Nadu’s forests are human-induced. include:

•  Encroachment attempts on forest lands
• Fires set by poachers and timber smugglers to destroy evidence
• Local practices of burning to promote fresh grass growth for cattle
• Carelessness by travellers, campers and picnickers
• Agricultural burning that spreads to forest areas
• Electrical faults, as seen in the Kodaikanal incident

MONITORING AND RESPONSE

• Tamil Nadu has implemented the Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme, which includes creating fire lines, establishing early warning systems, and maintaining firebreaks. The program operates on a 60:40 funding ratio between central and state governments, with Rs 4.96 crore sanctioned during 2023-24.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park In Darjeeling Gets India''s First Frozen Zoo

• Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has established India’s first frozen zoo. The facility is designed to store the genetic material of various Himalayan species at extremely low temperatures. 
• It is a collaboration between the zoo and Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology that aims to preserve DNA samples in liquid nitrogen at minus 196 degrees Celsius to maintain their genetic information for future use.
•  The cryogenic conservation aims to ensure that even if species like red pandas, snow leopards, gorals, mishmi takins, among others dwindle in the wild, their genetic blueprints remain intact.
• A  frozen zoo is a genetic cryobank that stores genetic material (like DNA, sperm, eggs, and embroyos) from animals that are typically endangered and are on the verge of extinction.
• The genetic material is stored in liquid nitrogen tanks at extremely low temperatures (minus 196 degrees Celsius) for long-term preservation. 
• The primary goal of a frozen zoo is to safeguard the genetic diversity of these species, especially those facing extinction threats.

How Is This Genetic Preservation Done?

• A Bengal’s Chief Wildlife Warden Debal Roy claims that tissue samples will be collected from both captive and wild animals, including those who die naturally or due to accidents such as road kills.
• According to the director of the zoo, Basavaraj Holeyachi, a dedicated lab has been set up to store gametes and DNA of these endangered species.
• The genetic sampling takes place at minus 20 degrees Celsius while the bio-banking process at minus 196 degrees Celsius to prevent cell degradation. In Darjeeling, the two-step process of sampling and banking began in July, last year.
• A In the future, this stored genetic material could potentially aid assisted reproduction techniques including the possibility of using surrogate mothers to revive the vanishing species. 
• Other techniques including artificial insemination, embryo transfer, or In-Vitro Fertilisation can also be used to revive many species in times when habitats are shrinking and climate change is rapidly changing their ecosystem. This preservation could ensure that many endangered species like the red pandas and snow leopards do not become a part of the forgotten past, like many others.

Frozen Zoos Around The World

• There are less than a dozen frozen zoos across the world. The first and most popular frozen zoo was created by Kurt Benirschke in 1975 at the Institute for Conservation Research in San Diego. Currently, the institute stores a collection of 8,400 samples across 800 species and subspecies. 
• However, the world''s first inter-species transfer using an embryo that had been frozen and thawed was produced in 1999 at the Audubon Institute Center for Research of Endangered Species. Jazz, an African wild cat kitten was born to his surrogate mother, Cayenne, and was a result of the first successful interspecies transfer of a frozen embryo. The mother was a domestic tabby cat

Rare Caracal Seen In Rajasthan''s Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve

• In a recent wildlife revelry, a medium-sized caracal, famously notorious for being elusive, was sighted in Rajasthan’s Mukundra Hill Tiger Reserve. The sighting marks a significant accomplishment in animal protection, especially since the number of caracals in Rajasthan has dwindled over the years.
•  A renewed optimism in the species’ conservation across India is observed as this sighting comes in as the first one of the species in this particular reserve. Conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts took notice of the cat when it got captured on a camera trap during a survey.
• The sighting was shared to public by Rajasthan’s Forest Minister, Sanjay Sharma, who quipped it with a touch of festivity as the incident came about on Holi, highlighting the success of the reserve''s strong protection measures in safeguarding rare species.
• The caracal (Caracal caracal), recognisable by its distinctive black-tufted ears and agile hunting skills, is native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and India. Anil Rodgers, a dedicated wildlife conservationist who serves as a WCCB member and is the Rajasthan Coordinator for SAGE Foundation (Stripes and Green Earth Foundation), traces its local name, ‘syahgosh’, to Persian origins with "syah" meaning black and "gosh" meaning ears, summarily, black ears.
• Unfortunately, even though caracals remained historically more widespread, the species has suffered a drastic decline. In India, specifically, their numbers have plummeted due to habitat destruction and fragmentation.
•  Estimates suggest that fewer than 50 individuals remain, primarily in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Studies indicate that since 2001, the caracal’s range in India has shrunk by nearly 96 per cent, leaving only fragmented populations in select pockets.
• According to Rodgers, the Aravalli region stands as the most abundant zone when talking about caracal population with Kailadevi retaining the most numbers, which is the second phase of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
•  So while cumulatively, both Ranthambore and Kailadevi boast caracal population, the naturalist revealed with much displeasure that this figure goes only as high as 15 individuals in these regions and extended to all of Rajasthan, only 50 individuals survive.

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve: A Conservation Stronghold

• One of India''s lesser-known but ecologically vital wildlife sanctuaries, where the recent caracal sighting took place, is the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve. Situated in the Kota district of Rajasthan, it covers an area of roughly 759 sq km and was designated a tiger reserve in 2013. Its varied terrain includes riverine habitats, grasslands, and dry deciduous woods.
• Originally created to reintroduce tigers, the reserve is home to a diverse range of plants and animals, such as chinkaras, hyenas, leopards, and now the elusive caracal. It is an essential habitat for both large and small animals due to its advantageous location along the Chambal River, which offers a vital water source.
• For a rewarding visit to Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve , the months of October through March are ideal owing to the favourable weather, which makes it simpler to see animals.
• The reserve offers a varied landscape of dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and riverine ecosystems along the Chambal River. In addition to birdwatching opportunities and beautiful safari routes, visitors may anticipate a more tranquil option to Rajasthan''s busier reserves.
• Mukundra Hills also offers a chance to discover Rajasthan''s lesser-known yet ecologically rich environment, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

Implications for Caracal Conservation

• While Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan shared the image, calling it a “pic to behold” and highlighting the species'' critically endangered status, a caracal''s presence in Mukundra Hills raises the possibility that the animal is seeking safety in protected areas emphasising the necessity for more intensive conservation measures.
• The species may still exist in some areas despite its dwindling numbers, according to recent observations in Rajasthan, including those in the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve.
• Furthermore, the Rajasthan Forest Department is working with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun to carry out a specialised study on caracals in light of this revelation. Important new information about their preferred habitats, population distribution, and conservation issues should be revealed by such studies.

The Road Ahead

• Notwithstanding this encouraging improvement, caracals still face many problems, including habitat loss brought on by the growth of infrastructure and agriculture. To secure the survival of this endangered species, conservationists emphasise the necessity of targeted initiatives like habitat restoration and raising public awareness.

Hoolock Gibbons In Assam''s Hollongapar Sanctuary Are Struggling For Survival—Here''s Why

•  The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is home to India’s only ape species, the Western Hoolock Gibbons. The rare species continues to face an unprecedented threat from oil drilling projects and electrification of railways in the area.
• Only 125 of them can be found in Assam, according to data released by a 2019 survey by the Wildlife Institute of India. These gibbons also occupy a place on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s list of endangered species.

Hollongapar Sanctuary

• The Hollongapar sanctuary gets its name from these gibbons. But it is also home to rich biodiversity including Bengal slow loris, stump tailed-macaque, northern pig-tailed macaque, Indian elephants, leopards, civets, wild boars and various types of squirrels, among other species. All these animals thrive under the canopy of the 12-13 m long Hollong trees.
• A The sanctuary spans 20.98 sq kms and has an eco-sensitive zone extending over 264.92 sq km. Eco-sensitive zones are areas rich in environmental resources and biodiversity that require special protection. Apart from its rich biodiversity, the sanctuary holds much ecological significance. It provides essential forest corridors that connect the Dissoi Valley Reserve forest and habitats in Nagaland.

What are Hoolock Gibbons?

• While the total number of Hoolock gibbons remains unclear, they are mostly found in the forests of Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Assam. It is also one of the 20 gibbon species across the world that presently face existential threats. You can hear the calls of these 1.5 ft tall black and brown primates from afar.
• The Hoolock gibbons are also built for an arboreal life. Their future relies on the restoration of dense canopies that enables their distinctive brachiation, which is a special form of arboreal locomotion.
• Its future relies on the restoration of forest cover and dense canopies that enable their locomotion. Intrusive oil-drilling expeditions and electrification of railways lines is becoming a threat to the sanctuary, and also to its wild inhabitant.

Oil Exploration Project Within The Sanctuary’s Eco-Sensitive Zone

• An oil-exploration project valued at INR 264 crore that has been ratified by the state and central government has raised concerns about maintaining a balance between energy development and safeguarding the country’s wildlife. The exploration project is led by Cairn Oil & Gas, a subsidiary of the Vedanta Group.
• The site that has been chosen is 13 kms away from the Hollongapar Sanctuary, and covers around 4.5 hectares. Notably, it lies well within the sanctuary’s eco-sensitive zone.
• The project started in August 2024 when the same was ratified by the state and central administration, including the Union Environment Ministry. Three months later, a site inspection took place on November 15, 2024.
• Then, the team concluded that the exploratory drill would have limited environmental impact, and that the team has completely and strongly opposed any commercial drilling within the ESZ. 
• The project is defined as one being done for the purpose of hydrocarbon extraction and discovering its reserves. It is being conducted in the pursuit of Government of India’s aim to develop the northeast as a major hydrocarbon hub by 2030.
• The National Board for Wildlife has imposed strict regulations including installation of digital surveillance systems in the area to monitor these drilling operations. It is also providing a detailed operational plan to regulatory bodies, ensuring minimal tree felling and strict pollution control measures.

Railway Line That Cuts Through The Sanctuary

• The electrification of the nine-km-long Lumding-Dibrugarh section of the Northeast Frontier Railway has a 1.65 km stretch that also cuts through the sanctuary. Dividing the sanctuary into two unequal parts has concerned not only environmentalists, but also the locals.
• The electrification of the stretch of the railway line that passes through the forest has affected the wildlife in the area and put their life at risk, as claimed by the locals.
• The railway line also breaks the canopy that the endangered gibbons rely on for their locomotion and movement.

Why Kerala is seeing protests over the Centre’s offshore mining plan

• AKerala has been witnessing protests over proposed mining off its coast. Last week, MPs and legislators staged a protest in Delhi against the move. Earlier this month, the state Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to drop the offshore mining plan.

Amended Act

• The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, (OAMDR Act), which deals with the development of mineral resources in the country’s maritime zones, was amended in 2023.
• In the past, offshore excavation was under the aegis of central government bodies such as GSI, Indian Bureau of Mining, Atomic Minerals Directorate, etc. But this amendment opened up offshore mining to the private sector. The amended Act unveiled a competitive auction process to encourage private sector participation in the exploration of offshore resources such as polymetallic nodules, lime-mud, and construction sand.
• The Centre launched the country’s first tranche of e-auction of 13 offshore blocks in November last year. Of the 13 blocks, three are off the Kerala coast, three off Gujarat, and 7 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The proposed lease is for 50 years.

Blocks off Kollam coast for offshore mining

• A study conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) along the Kerala coast has found that the state’s offshore has a huge deposit of construction-grade sand, around 745 million tonnes. At present, mining is under consideration at three blocks off the Kollam coast in southern Kerala
• The study has found that these blocks have a deposit of 300 million tonnes of sand. The depth of the sea in that coast is from 48 meters to 62 meters.

Offshore area and Union government rights

• As per the OMDR Act, ‘offshore area’ means the territorial waters, continental shelf, exclusive economic zone and other maritime zones of India. Section two of the Act arms the Centre with the right to control mines and minerals in offshore areas. At the same time, fishing and related developmental activities up to 12 nautical miles in the sea is a State subject, as per the seventh schedule of the Constitution.
• The Union mining ministry has told the state that the three blocks off the Kollam coast are beyond 12 nautical miles, and thus are not under the Kerala government.

Concerns of fishermen community

• A Kerala wants the Centre to drop the mining plan as it will lead to irreparable damage to the fisheries sector, the livelihood for around 11 lakh fishermen spread across 222 fishing villages.
• Kollam parappu, which is also known as Quilon Bank, is among the highly productive fishing grounds along the south-west coast of India. Mining in this sector will lead to a decline in marine catch. Sea bottom mining will lead to the clouding of water, which will prevent light penetration, reducing the euphotic zone (where there is enough light for photosynthesis) of the sea.
• Also, mining will trigger plumes of sediment, which will travel thousands of square kilometres beyond the mining sites, causing harm to fish and aquatic ecosystems.
• Mining could also lead to the release of toxic substances into the sea. Huge vessels deployed for mining will hamper fishing activities and pose a threat to fishermen’s lives and vessels.
• Also, the entire royalty from the mining will go to the Centre.

The Union government’s response

• On March 16, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy told the Rajya Sabha that the offshore mining blocks have been carved after excluding 130 marine protected areas across the coastal states. He said 106 coastal sites have been identified as Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Areas (ICMBAs) to take care of marine conservation.
• The Centre also said the Offshore Areas Mineral Trust was formed with coastal states as members, and the funds accruing to the Trust could be used for mitigation of adverse ecological impacts and to help the affected people

Did You Know About Telangana''s Ancient Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs?

•  The Telangana is home to one UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ramappa Temple. Recently, another location from the state has been included on the tentative list: the Megalithic Menhirs Site, which is believed to date back over 3,500 years.
• On February 11, the central government submitted a dossier regarding the menhirs to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.

“The Mudumal menhirs represent one of India’s most expansive and impeccably preserved megalithic astronomical observatory sites, showcasing an intricate and precise arrangement of boulder alignments, formations, and stone circles. Within a central area, a concentration of two distinct types of menhirs further enhances the site’s uniqueness,” 

• The menhir site is located in Mudumal village, Narayanpet, within a tranquil and unspoiled landscape surrounded by agricultural fields. These ancient stones stand tall and silent, serving as enduring sentinels of a forgotten era.
• Situated near the banks of the Krishna River, approximately 4 kilometres southwest of Mudumal village, the site spans 89 acres and features stone structures arranged in a linear pattern, ranging from 10 to 15 feet in height.
• According to UNESCO, the landscape offers sweeping views of the surrounding area, providing insight into how the ancient builders may have aligned the menhirs with celestial bodies.
• They carefully positioned the stones to mark solstices, equinoxes, and star patterns, establishing the Mudumal Megalithic Menhir site as an ancient observatory. The site''s natural environment, proximity to the river and integration into agricultural lands, underscores its enduring significance in the region and its connection to terrestrial and cosmic realms.

Local Lore

• The towering menhirs are a key feature of a megalithic landscape that includes ancient burial sites, stone circles, and inscribed rocks. Over time, local communities have woven these impressive stones into their cultural heritage, enriching their beliefs and practices.
• Revered as "Niluralla Thimmappa," or Thimmappa of the Standing Stones, the menhirs hold sacred status among the locals. One specific menhir is honored as Goddess Yellamma, underscoring the spiritual connection people have with these monumental structures.
• This relationship highlights the enduring cultural significance of the site, illustrating the bond between nature, history, and spirituality.

Astronomical Significance

• A megalithic menhir is a sizable, upright stone, often tapering at the top, that was erected in ancient times. It may belong to a larger megalithic site and could have functioned as a marker, ritual location, or astronomical tool.
• According to the UNESCO tentative list, the site is divided into distinct sections. In one area, menhirs align with the rising and setting sun during the summer and winter solstices, suggesting it may have served as an ancient observatory.
• About 400 meters west, a hillock features stone circles representing megalithic burials. A cuboid rock with cup marks at the summit depicts the constellation Ursa Major, showcasing the builders'' advanced astronomical knowledge. This constellation, significant for its connection to the North Star, aligns with the winter solstice sunrise, highlighting the site''s astronomical precision.

CONTRIBUTION OF 10 GWh CAPACITY PROJECT

• The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) administers a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme namely “National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage”. Under the scheme, the total outlay is ₹18,100 Crore for a capacity of 50 GWh for a period of 5 years after gestation period of 2 years.
•  A total of 40GWh in two tranches has been allocated to four PLI beneficiaries. Further, as per recommendation of EGoS in July 2024, MHI initiated the process for finalizing bid documents for balance 10 GWh capacity for Grid Scale Stationary Storage (GSSS) applications in consultation with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

The objectives of the PLI ACC scheme are:

• Promoting indigenous manufacturing
• Enhancing cost competitiveness
• Boosting clean energy and sustainability
• Encouraging investment and innovation
• Developing a robust supply chain and generating employment and economic growth.
• By fostering local manufacturing, the scheme aims to decrease dependence on imported batteries, supporting the broader goal of self-reliance in the energy sector. The PLI ACC scheme is end use agnostic as it caters to EV sector, defence, stationary storage and consumer electronics.
• The PLI ACC scheme incentivizes beneficiary firms for technology transfer by considering it as an eligible investment and the scheme emphasizes achieving a value addition of at least 60% within five years from the appointed date which encourages technology transfer, Research and Development (R&D) and localization.
• This focus is expected to benefit domestic cell component manufacturers by integrating them into the local supply chain, developing technological advancements and reducing import dependence.
• The implementation of the PLI ACC scheme is projected to generate significant employment opportunities in manufacturing and technical sectors. As intimated by PLI ACC beneficiaries, 809 nos. of persons have been employed for 30 GWh ACC capacity till 31.01.2025.

ASPIRATIONAL DISTRICTS

• In the budget for the Financial Year (FY) 2025–26, the Government has announced launch of a comprehensive multi-sectoral ‘Rural Prosperity and Resilience’ programme. The programme aims to address under- employment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology and invigorating the rural economy.
• The focus of the programme will be on rural women, young farmers, rural youth, marginal and small farmers and landless families with goal to generate ample opportunities in rural areas so that migration is the option, but not a necessity. While Department of Rural Development is lead Department, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Department of Financial Services will also be involved in implementation of the programme.
• Further, in the Union Budget 2025-26, it has been announced to launch ‘Prime Minister Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojna”. The programme is to be implemented in convergence and will cover 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity and below average credit parameters.
• The programme aims to help 1.7 crore farmers through enhanced agriculture productivity, improved irrigation facilities and facilitating long-term and short-term credit.
• Under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS), Cluster Facilitation Project (CFP) has been rolled out from 1st April 2020. It aims to ensure effective implementation of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS for accelerated Development in 231 Blocks of 108 Aspirational Districts and 46 Blocks of other backward areas through better planning.
• Ministry of Rural Development is implementing Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), which is a one-time special intervention of the Government of India to provide rural connectivity, by way of a single all-weather road, to the eligible unconnected habitations in the core network.
• Subsequently, new intervention/verticals namely PMGSY-II, Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Areas (RCPLWEA), and PMGSY-III were added under the ambit of PMGSY for the upgradation of rural roads and construction of strategically important roads in LWE Areas. Since inception till 07.03.2025 a total of 77, 403 km of road has been sanctioned, out which 74,969 Km of road length has been competed under various interventions/verticals of PMGSY.
• A new vertical named PMGSY-IV has been launched on 11.09.2024 with a focus on providing all-weather connectivity to unconnected habitations of 500+ population in plain areas and 250 + population in NE and Hill States/UTs, special category areas (Tribal Schedule-V, Aspirational Districts/Blocks, Desert Areas) and 100+ in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts as per Census 2011. The scheme will be implemented from 2024-25 to 2028-29 with a total outlay of Rs. 70,125 crore with a target to provide connectivity to 25,000 unconnected habitations. The Central Government is working in close coordination with the States/UTs to facilitate the submission of proposals under the scheme.
• The government is making efforts to create awareness about various welfare schemes through localized campaigns such as community radio stations, and outreach programs.
•  Efforts have also been made to use technology, such as mobile apps and SMS services, to disseminate information about government initiatives. Additionally, community leaders and self-help groups are being engaged to educate people about the benefits of these programmes and encourage active participation.

Steps taken to prioritize Research on Fungal Infections

• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced significant initiatives aimed at prioritizing research on fungal infections, particularly in light of their impact on public health. In response to parliamentary inquiries regarding the measures being taken to combat these infections, ICMR has outlined the following key actions:

Establishment of Mycology Network (MycoNet)

• ICMR established the Mycology Network (MycoNet) in 2020, with the goal of mapping fungal infections across India and assessing their impact, especially invasive fungal infections (IFIs), on overall mortality and morbidity. Under this program, eight Advanced Mycology Diagnostic and Research Centers (AMDRCs) have been developed, strategically located across different zones in India. These centers are well-connected with state governments and state medical colleges, facilitating case referrals and training programs.

Identification of Priority Pathogens

• ICMR has identified priority pathogens responsible for critical infectious syndromes in India. This identification process involved an extensive literature review and consultations with leading clinicians and laboratory physicians across the country. The resulting comprehensive list includes several important fungal pathogens that require focused research and intervention.

Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Surveillance Network (AMRSN)

• ICMR has established an Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Surveillance Network (AMRSN) that collects data on antifungal resistance. This initiative is crucial for understanding the patterns of resistance and developing effective strategies to combat fungal infections.

Support from the Department of Biotechnology

• The Department of Biotechnology has also informed that it has supported numerous research projects focused on fungal infections, particularly candidiasis, further enhancing the research landscape in this critical area.
• With respect to the World Health Organization''s (WHO) 2022 publication of the Fungal Priority Pathogens List, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has taken significant steps to address the public health threats posed by fungal pathogens and the rising issue of antifungal resistance.
• ICMR’s MycoNet developed a mycology clinical registry in 2023. This registry is designed to document cases of Invasive Fungal Infections (IFIs) as well as rare fungal diseases, including Mycetoma and Chromoblastomycosis.
• Additionally, MycoNet has established a fungal mapping system that utilizes collected data to generate Antifungal Susceptibility Testing (AFST) data. This system is crucial for monitoring fungal pathogens and their resistance patterns in hospitals and Intensive Care Units (ICUs) across the country.
• In response to the issue of drug resistance related to fungal infection, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced that its MycoNet program is actively monitoring antifungal drug resistance by collecting critical data on key fungal pathogens, including Candida, Cryptococcus, Pneumocystis, and Aspergillus. Current findings indicate that resistance to commonly used antifungal drugs remains low in most cases, providing reassurance regarding the effectiveness of existing treatment options for patients suffering from fungal infections.
• In addition to the MycoNet program, ICMR Anti-Microbial Resistance surveillance network is collecting and monitoring data on the trends and patterns of antimicrobial resistance among clinically important bacteria and fungi affecting human health from 30 tertiary hospitals across India.
•  Furthermore, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed that surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in fungal pathogens has been integrated into the National AMR surveillance network (NARS-Net). This collaboration enhances the overall capacity to monitor and respond to antimicrobial resistance threats effectively.